High Fructose Corn Syrup Corn Syrup

High fructose corn syrup (HFCS) is a liquid sweetener made from corn starch. The corn starch is broken down into glucose, and then some of the glucose is converted into fructose through an enzymatic process. This mixture of glucose and fructose is what gives HFCS its characteristic sweetness.

HFCS is primarily used as a sweetener in a wide variety of processed foods and beverages due to its low cost and ability to blend well. It is commonly found in soft drinks, baked goods, breakfast cereals, condiments, and canned fruits. Its liquid form also helps to improve texture and shelf life in some products.

HFCS is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA when used as intended. Like other added sugars, excessive consumption of HFCS can contribute to increased calorie intake and potential weight gain. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) have evaluated added sugars, including those in HFCS, and recommend limiting their intake as part of a healthy diet. Research on the specific health impacts of HFCS compared to other sugars like sucrose is ongoing, with some studies suggesting potential differences in metabolic effects, while others find them to be similar when consumed in equivalent amounts.